Dr. Soma Sikdar – Pathologist | Kitchener, ON

Dr. Soma Sikdar is a highly skilled Anatomical Pathologist, specializing in the laboratory diagnosis of disease. Working within the laboratory at St. Michael's Hospital in Kitchener, ON, she collaborates closely with clinicians across various specialties. Her practice adheres to the standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), ensuring the highest quality and safety in diagnostic services. She specializes in Anatomical Pathology, focusing on the macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissue biopsies and surgical specimens to diagnose a wide range of diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions. Her expertise is critical for accurate tumor grading, staging, and identifying prognostic markers. The St. Michael's Hospital where Dr. Sikdar works is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology to ensure accurate and timely results, supporting clinical decision-making across various medical specialties.

Dr. Sikdar graduated with a Medical Degree from the University of Calcutta in India. She has accumulated over 10 years of experience as an Anatomical Pathologist since 2014. She is recognized as a RCPSC Specialist by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), maintaining high standards of professional competency and ongoing medical education.

Her professional philosophy centers on a commitment to diagnostic accuracy and precision. Dr. Sikdar utilizes advanced laboratory techniques and cutting-edge technologies to deliver accurate diagnoses. She values effective collaboration and communication with clinical colleagues to ensure optimal patient management. Upholding the highest standards of laboratory quality assurance and patient safety, she contributes to medical knowledge through research and education where applicable. Her dedication to diagnostic excellence supports patient care in Kitchener, providing comprehensive diagnostic expertise and reporting in English.

Dr. Sikdar provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic pathology services. For specific inquiries about test availability or consultative services, referring physicians should contact the laboratory directly.

Note: This list outlines key diagnostic areas. Pathology services support a wide spectrum of medical investigations. Detailed reports are provided to referring physicians for clinical correlation.

All pathology services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) and relevant Canadian Association of Pathologists (CAP-ACP) and relevant subspecialty guidelines. Reports and consultations are directed to referring physicians.

St. Michael's Hospital, located in Kitchener's Downtown Kitchener, Cedar Hill neighborhood, offers a state-of-the-art diagnostic environment for pathology services. The hospital is conveniently accessible via Iron Horse Trail access and is well-served by Grand River Transit (GRT), including Bus and ION Light Rail services. The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex. This setting ensures seamless integration of diagnostic services within the hospital's comprehensive healthcare delivery system. For specimen drop-off or specific inquiries, referring physicians should contact the laboratory or visit through the hospital's main contact points for detailed guidance and access arrangements.

Will I meet Dr. Sikdar directly as a patient?

While Pathologists like Dr. Sikdar play a critical role in patient care, they primarily work behind the scenes in the laboratory, analyzing patient samples and consulting with other physicians. It's generally uncommon for patients to meet their pathologist directly, unless the pathologist has a subspecialty that involves some direct patient procedures (e.g., some hematopathologists performing bone marrow biopsies, though this is often done by hematologists/oncologists). Your primary interaction will be with your treating physician who orders the tests and discusses Dr. Sikdar's findings with you.

How is accuracy ensured in pathology diagnoses made by Dr. Sikdar?

Accuracy is paramount in pathology. Dr. Sikdar and her laboratory adhere to stringent quality control and quality assurance protocols. This includes standardized specimen handling and processing, use of calibrated equipment, participation in proficiency testing programs, internal case reviews, and consultations with colleagues on complex cases. Pathologists like Dr. Sikdar undergo extensive training and continuous medical education to maintain their diagnostic expertise and stay updated on the latest medical knowledge and diagnostic criteria.

How are the findings from a Pathologist like Dr. Sikdar used by other doctors?

Pathology reports from specialists like Dr. Sikdar are critical tools for treating physicians. They contain detailed descriptions of microscopic findings and a definitive diagnosis. This information allows other doctors to understand the exact nature of a patient's illness, plan surgeries, choose medications, monitor disease progression, and assess the effectiveness of treatments. The accuracy of Dr. Sikdar's diagnostic work is therefore paramount for optimal patient outcomes.

What is the role of a Pathologist like Dr. Sikdar in healthcare?

A Pathologist, such as Dr. Sikdar, is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing diseases by examining tissues, cells, and body fluids. They analyze samples obtained from biopsies, surgeries, or autopsies under a microscope and perform laboratory tests to identify abnormalities, determine the nature of a disease (like cancer or infection), and assess its severity. Pathologists provide crucial information that guides treatment decisions made by other physicians. Dr. Sikdar, as a Anatomical Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues, plays a vital role in patient care through accurate and timely diagnosis.

What kinds of samples does a Pathologist like Dr. Sikdar examine?

Dr. Sikdar, in her role as an Anatomical Pathologist involved in the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis of disease based on the laboratory analysis of bodily fluids such as blood and urine, as well as tissues, analyzes many types of patient specimens. This can range from tiny needle biopsies taken to investigate a suspicious lump, to cells scraped or brushed from surfaces (cytology), to complex surgical specimens removed to treat cancer. She also interprets blood and bone marrow samples for hematological conditions. The specific types of samples depend on the clinical question being asked and the suspected disease.

How long does it usually take to get pathology results from Dr. Sikdar's lab?

The turnaround time for pathology results can vary depending on several factors, including the type and complexity of the specimen, the number of specialized tests required (e.g., immunohistochemistry, molecular studies), and the overall lab workload. Simple biopsies might have results in a few days, while more complex cases or those needing extensive ancillary testing might take a week or longer. Your treating physician, who ordered the tests and receives the report from Dr. Sikdar, is the best person to provide an estimated timeframe for your specific results.

St. Michael's Hospital
6-050 Donnelly Wing, 835 King Street West
Kitchener, ON N2G 1G3

Laboratory Phone: (519) 749-4300 | Laboratory Fax: (519) 749-4221

The laboratory facility meets accessibility standards and is typically part of a larger hospital or medical center complex.

Dr. Sikdar is a licensed Anatomical Pathologist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 and Medicine Act, 1991 in ON. Pathology services by Dr. Sikdar are accessed via referrals for specimen analysis from primary care physicians or other specialists. Results and reports are communicated back to the referring doctor.

Verify Dr. Sikdar's registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO): https://doctors.cpso.on.ca/DoctorDetails/Sikdar-Soma/0258711-91330